#40DayChallenge #errdamnday

#TeamLean has decided to start a #40DayChallenge on New Year's Day that will run through February 9th.  Everyone is taking their own twist on it - some of us will work out every day for 40 days (mind you a 10 minute walk counts in our book), others are giving up alcohol (oh dear lord) and others are giving up dessert. Personally, I plan to work out every day during the #40DayChallenge and not drink alcohol (unless I have a date - yes, you read that correctly)!

Do you want to be a healthier version of you in 2014?  Do you wanna join #TeamLean and our #40DayChallenge in 2014?  Pick your poison and join #TeamLean! It's all about about #errrdamnday!!

My wish for you...

My wish for you in 2014 is that you create the life you want.  I speak from experience that it' kind of awesome!  So, what do YOU want to create?  Go on and START creating it NOW!

Happy New Year to you and yours!  May the new year bring you continued love, health and happiness!

Meet Izzie

As many of you probably remember, Nole the dog passed away 2.5 years ago.  Today, I went to visit some black lab puppies knowing full well that I would pay the deposit at the end of our visit.
Below is a pic of the two I fell in love with:

Initially, I was leaning toward the runt (on the right) then the other one (the one on the left) just kept crawling over to me to get in my lap!  I think she picked me (one of one left)!  So, on January 18th, I will be bringing home a new puppy.  Her name is Izzie!!  #newpuppy

#TeamLean - 2014 Challenge

It's December which means tons of eating and drinking for most of us...it's means that the holidays are upon us.  And, no matter how much we love the holidays, most people can feel a bit frenetic (meaning "fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way").  

In an effort to "stay grounded" and ensure the scale does not tip beyond our comfort level, #TeamLean implemented a #30DayWorkout that started on 11/24 and ends on Christmas Day!  #TeamLean is a group of us that live across the country that hold each other accountable for working out and living a healthier lifestyle.  And because we are complete geeks, we often tweet about our daily (or lack thereof) workouts.  

#TeamLean has decided to start a #40DayChallenge on New Year's Day that will run through February 9th.  Everyone is taking their own twist on it - some of us will work out every day for 40 days (mind you a 10 minute walk counts in our book), others are giving up alcohol (oh dear lord) and others are giving up dessert.  Do you need some extra motivation?  Do you wanna join #TeamLean and our #40DayChallenge in 2014.  It's all about about #errrdamnday (and sometimes about #mostdamndays)!!

Let me know if you wanna join #TeamLean and our #40DayChallenge!!

Yoga videos

Have you heard how much I LOVE yoga?  I prefer to go to a yoga studio, but sometimes time does not permit.  I have learned over the years how to do a a self led yoga practice....but there are times when I need a home practice where I don't have to think but rather just listen and practice.  HERE, HERE and HERE are my three favorites! Bonus: It ends with the ocean in the background for your shavasana!  Go try it!  You might even like it!
#Namaste

Happy Friday and Merry Christmas!!

Chances

Christmas cheer

I always love when the polar bear commercials are brought back this time of year...just makes it feel a bit more like the holidays for me!  Merry Christmas and happy Friday!

All you need is love

Take a listen HERE! Happy Tuesday!

Slow cooker Sunday: Meatballs and sauce

It's slow cooker Sunday....this week I am making meatballs and sauce.  I've never made meatballs so am kind of excited!

HERE is the original recipe from AllRecipes.com.  I made a few tweaks to the original recipe and used my crockpot!   Follow all the instructions for the meatballs.  For the sauce, I added one can of diced tomatoes and a cup of water.  Season to your liking as well.  

From there, let the sauce cook for one hour on high in your crockpot then add the meatballs and let cook for 3-4 more hours on high.

Enjoy the smell in your house of the sauce cooking....I always do!!  What's your favorite slow cooker recipe?  Go!!  Happy Sunday!!

Preview to next week's edition of slow cooker Sunday:  Jambalaya in the slow cooker!  Kind of excited about this one!

One More Sleep

It's Christmas time...so take a listen to THIS sweet holiday song that is on repeat here!  Happy Sunday!

Crockpot Sunday: Eggplant Parmesan

So, I am reinstating crockpot Sunday dinners (albeit it's not being done w/ my NYC girls).

Sidebar:  When I lived in NYC, my girlfriends and I were all OBSESSED with our crockpots.  And, we decided to do our version of "family dinner" on Sunday nights.  It was so much fun.  Each week one of us hosted dinner at their apartment and made their favorite crockpot cuisine!!  Yes, we ALL had crockpots!  :)

This Sunday, I have decided to try eggplant parmesan in the slow cooker.  I've never made eggplant parmesan, but wanted to try something different.  HERE is the recipe!

Do you have any crockpot favorite recipes?  Happy Sunday!!

Best. Christmas. Gift. Ever.

Okay, first and foremost, when you blog (or write in general), it's all about the title!  Second of all, I don't think my family reads my blog anymore...but if they are (STOP NOW - SPOILER ON CHRISTMAS GIFTS! :0)

I am really excited about a gift that I am giving my family.  It's just awesome (yes, I am bias).  As many of you know, I am an Apple lover.  My friends call me iKatie.  Here is a link to the "best Christmas gift ever."  I made a coffee table book of pictures of my family throughout the year (but you can make a calendar or even Christmas cards).  It's super easy and arrived in less then 7 days!

All cards on the table, my friend B introduced me to this awesome idea!!

Happy holidays!

Back off perfect

Here is the thing about perfection...it's in the eye of the beholder.

I recently started collecting sea shells during my beach walks.  I will take 2 sea shells home w/ me each time.  Below is a picture of the ones from a recent walk:

In my opinion, they are two of the best ones I have found yet...but when you look deeper one of the two is cracked a bit.  When I walk the beach and am searching for sea shells, I can not help but think: "These are just perfect...but may not be to someone else."  Isn't that true with everything in life?  What may be perfect for one person....may not be for another.  Not only that but perfection is a total illusion so back off the notion of perfection and do what suits you best.  Happy Sunday!